Let our local experts guide you through a handpicked selection of things to do on a private tour. Think hidden gems, insider stories, and all the local vibes. Ready to find your private tour of Kyoto? Your adventure-packed day is just one click away!
Top 10 tours in Kyoto
Make your stay in Kyoto complete with these things to do
1
Choose your favorite local
The 10 Tastings of Kyoto: Street Food
152 reviews
3 hours | Food tours | Kyoto
Ready to taste the best food in Kyoto? Satisfy your cravings for local food and culture with highlights along the way, together with a foodie host. Enjoy 10 delicious and typical tastings that range from sweet to savory as well as drinks on a tasty food tour in Kyoto.
Welcome to Kyoto! Want to know the best places to eat? Cool events in town? Which places to go to and which to avoid? Or simply get some help to navigate the city? Book this private tour with a local and get the perfect introduction to Kyoto to start your city trip on the right foot.
Ready for a jam-packed tour, full of history, culture, stories, and sights? Checkmark from your travel bucket list all your must-sees of Kyoto, because if there’s a Withlocals tour that shows you all the city's ins and outs, it’s this complete and personalized tour of Kyoto.
Enjoy the freedom of exploring Kyoto on a bike tour with a local. Cover more ground, take scenic routes, and cycle through main spots like the Philosopher's path and Gion Area. Take in the views as you bike through the city in a safe and fun way, and hear fascinating stories at every stop along the way!
Want to see the best of Kyoto? We got you covered. But as you can expect from a Withlocals experience, the real excitement is its hidden gems. Join your favorite local and get a feeling of the city's real vibe on a tour that has it all, so you can say: I experienced the real Kyoto!
You’ve probably heard that Kyoto is well-known for its Geishas and Traditions, but do you know the stories and origin behind it? Or how much influence it has on the locals daily life? On this private city tour, you are in for a cultural treat!
Make your trip a wholesome experience by seeing what other cities outside of Kyoto have to offer. On this private day trip, you don’t need to worry about anything! Follow your local host to Nara and be back in Kyoto the same day but with more unforgettable experiences than before.
Imagine this: a scenic road trip from Kyoto to explore Arashiyama with stops along the way to discover viewpoints, villages, incredible nature, and cultural gems. Sounds like a dream? No, it’s possible on a Withlocals day trip with a local host leading the way!
Did you know that the Kyoto tour of your dreams exists? Yes, and it’s 100% personalized and created by your local host around your interests. Customize and see only the places that spark your interest. From classic landmarks to neighborhood walks - your wishes are our command!
Explore the Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle with a Local
511 reviews
3 hours | | Kyoto
With your local host, trace Kyoto’s power corridors—from the shogun’s ornate Nijo Castle to the calm avenues of the Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gyoen)—with clear stories, easy pacing, and photo-friendly stops
"Shohei was excellent. He showed us all the highlights and explained shrines and temples. My teens were engaged and asked questions. It was a great tour."
"We had the most incredible time with Ryuki whom our friend used and raved about. We highly recommend him to anyone visiting Kyoto -- super knowledgeable, flexible with the programing, and able to make things interesting on the fly. "
"David John was an all world guide who provided my son and I with a wonderful 3 hour tour of the hidden gems of Kyoto! Incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and fun to be with he provided great historical background, insights and great anecdotes as he toured us around the temple grounds , shrines and other areas of Gion. Cant endorse him highly enough!"
"We did the hidden gems tour with Naoki on our arrival day to Tokyo. Naoki was extremely knowledgable and fun, and his English is impeccable. We really enjoyed our time with him."
"We met Shohei just a few hours after arriving in Kyoto and he helped introduce us to his beautiful city. Hitting some of the major highlights and also helping us discover some lesser known gems (the tour title is legit!) Shohei guided us through Kyoto and shared stories and history along the way. He was easygoing and engaging, patient and flexible when we wanted to take a detour for snacks or photos, and he had some great suggestions for restaurants and other sites we should check out during our time in Kyoto. His English is excellent, having grown up in the US, but he really knows the city and local culture- so, best of both worlds. We had a great time with Shohei!"
AdrianneAbout local ShoheiKyoto, December 28, 2025
5.0
Incredible day biking with Naoki
"Naoki will take you on a bike ride you are not soon to forget. He is a master of all things Tokyo and helped us explore new and old. He even hunted down a hidden gem Yakatori restaurant to make our tour truly one of a kind. Naoki is knowledgeable and funny! I wish I could rate this higher than a 10!"
"Ted offered great communication, before, during & after the tour. He was flexible and tailored the tour to fit our interests. We were traveling as a family of 5, including 2 teens and a tween. They all enjoyed Ted's insight. He also knew all the good spots for photos, and took several of our family."
SireeshaAbout local YoshihiroKyoto, December 23, 2025
5.0
Excellent and kept the teens engaged!
"David was just what we needed for our limited time in Kyoto. We were able to see and learn about a number of the must do’s in an afternoon. He was able to share local knowledge, fun facts and history of the places we went plus he showed us secret spots with little to no crowds. Most importantly he kept my teens engaged, learning and having fun. Plus he’s a magician! Highly recommend."
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
Tailored to your wishes
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Chat before you book
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
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Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
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You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
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Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
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Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Private & Personal
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
Private & Personalized Tours in Kyoto with a Local
When you hit the road and land in a new city like Kyoto, there's an exciting way to dive into its soul: personalized local tours. Forget the typical touristy routes – these tours are like having a local friend show you around all the cool spots.
Imagine having someone who lives and breathes Kyoto spill its secrets. That's what local guides bring to the table. They know the hidden alleys, the best bites, and stories that never made it to the guidebooks. Whether you're into munching through food tours, wandering the city's streets, or going off the beaten path, a local guide hooks you up with a private tour that's authentically Kyoto.
The best part? These tours are all about you. No herding in big groups or rushing through places you're not interested in. With private tours, you're the boss. Whether it's snapping pics at iconic landmarks, diving into history, or checking out the art scene, the tour is tuned to your vibes at your tempo.
But it doesn't stop at city limits. Day trips let you escape the urban jungle and explore nearby wonders. And if you're just setting foot in Kyoto, kickstart tours give you a taste of everything. Think of it as a crash course in Kyoto awesomeness, guided by a local who knows the city like the back of their hand.
So, next time you're in Kyoto, ditch the ordinary. Grab a local tour and unlock the city's real magic – the stories, flavors, and places that make it uniquely Kyoto. Get ready to explore like a local!
Choose your favorite local
Choose your favorite local
Choose your favorite local
Choose your favorite local
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